Unconventional treatment for common problem
Robotic-assisted surgery is option in hernia treatment
A minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedure brought relief to a 31-year-old Gary man who sought hernia pain treatment at Community Healthcare System.
Ezequiel Morales, a married father of two, does mechanical work. He was hurt on the job in late November while lifting heavy equipment. “The pain was sharp and hard to work with,” he said.
A physician examined Morales and referred him to a surgeon for hernia treatment.
A hernia occurs when part of an organ pushes through the muscle wall, typically in a person’s groin or abdomen. In the United States, more than 1 million hernia repairs are performed each year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Morales met with General Surgeon Carlos Gonzalez, MD, in December 2023 and underwent outpatient surgery. Gonzalez performed a robotic ventral hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair and right inguinal hernia repair.
He uses the da Vinci Surgical System, a minimally invasive robotic-assisted option, to repair hernias. The procedure results in a quicker and safer recovery.
“As a healthcare system, we provide high-quality care with this technology,” Gonzalez said. Its magnified 3D, high-definition camera allows Gonzalez to see 10 times better than the naked eye, leading to a precise approach. Articulated instruments allow greater access to the body than typical surgical instruments.
“That translates into a better technique with less risk of operative complications,” Gonzalez said. Along with a lower risk of operative and postoperative complications, patients who undergo hernia surgery via the da Vinci Surgical System experience less pain and have a faster recovery. Most go home the same day they have their procedure, and they do not need narcotics for pain control.
Common hernia symptoms include a bulge or pain in the abdomen or groin area, or tenderness on a scar from a previous surgery, such as gallbladder removal.
“Hernias can become a problem if they are not treated in a timely manner,” Gonzalez said. “Years ago, people would put off hernia repair out of worry over the pain and recovery time. With the advanced technology we have today, that is no longer an issue. Most of our hernia patients return home the same day as their surgery.”
Morales underwent hernia surgery at a Seattle hospital several years ago and, in comparison, was impressed by the level of care at Community Healthcare System. “I really like that Dr. Gonzalez actually listened to me,” Morales said. “My past experience with a hernia repair in my groin was excruciating, and the care I received from both situations are like night and day. I had a very good experience at St. Catherine Hospital. The care there was absolutely phenomenal.”
Along with non-narcotic pain medication and compression garments, Morales was sent home with a “get well soon” card signed by his care team. Although each patient situation is different, Morales recommends undergoing hernia surgery to others dealing with similar pain.
“I would do it,” he said. “It’s worth it. I have peace of mind now.”
He urges other patients to take it easy during recovery so the hernia does not reoccur. “Give your body some time to heal,” he said.
The use of robot-assisted technology extends beyond hernia repair, including colon surgery, gallbladder removal, gynecologic laparoscopic procedures, kidney removal, prostate cancer surgery, and thoracic and urologic procedures.
During a da Vinci procedure, the surgeon sits at a console and views 3D, high-definition images. The surgeon uses controls to manipulate robotic arms that are equipped with surgical tools. The system converts the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger motions into precise, real-time movements of the surgical instruments.
Community Healthcare System also offers partial and total knee replacement surgery with the Mako Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery System. St. Mary Medical Center was the first hospital in Northwest Indiana to adopt this technology, which enables surgeons to use CT-based 3D modeling to personalize the surgery based on the patient’s anatomy.
Robotic technology also has a role in diagnostic testing of lung tissue and pulmonary nodules.
For robotic bronchoscopies, the Intuitive Ion allows precise, minimally invasive navigation deep into the lungs for biopsies. This technology has been credited with detecting lung cancer in the earliest stages.
For more information about robotic-assisted surgery, click here.
